Our Story

Our founders knew where they wanted to go.

They started with Gulf South character and community. Looking far down the road from their own day,

they cultivated a culture that would last—a way of thinking and doing rooted in uncompromising values.

Today, we continue a journey begun more than a century ago to help people and the places we serve succeed.

How we were born

In the late 1800s, the Gulf Coast and two new banks were booming. South Mississippians looked to Hancock Bank to help manage prosperity created by agriculture, seafood, timber and tourism. Sixty miles to the west, New Orleans and Whitney Bank thrived in the wake of the World Cotton Expo.

For over a hundred years, Hancock and Whitney grew with and because of the people and places of the Gulf South. As the banks expanded into new towns and cities, they quickly became trusted, reliable business and community partners. Many smaller regional banks became part of Hancock and Whitney over the years; and, in December 2010, Hancock and Whitney came together.

The two neighbors had always shared similar history, geography and values. Merging was the next strategic step in the relationship, establishing an even stronger organization grounded in regional tradition and dedicated to regional success.

Who we are

Today, history and commitment are still at the heart of who we are. Common experience and ideals connect us to local people and communities. We help individuals, families and businesses protect and grow the financial future they deserve and the quality of life we all cherish.

Under the Hancock Bank and Whitney Bank names and at locations in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas, we offer contemporary banking options secured by solid ideals, pride in where we live and confidence in how far we can go together.

Like our founders, we believe in building a company that never knows completion—an organization that keeps getting better. Across this special region we call home, our heritage unites us, our communities inspire us and Our Mission, Our Purpose, Our Promise to associates and Our Core Values guide us as we move forward.

How we do business

Our Mission. Each day, we reaffirm our mission to help people achieve their financial goals and dreams.

Our Purpose. We work hard to create opportunities for people and the communities we serve—our purpose for doing what we do.

Our Promise to Associates. We honor and respect associates with a heartfelt promise: You can grow. You have a voice. You are important.

Our Core Values. Five timeless core values keep us strong, help us grow and define the way we do business:

Honor & Integrity. We proudly bear a figurative badge symbolizing our steady commitment to do the right thing for the people who depend on and trust us.

Strength & Stability. We maintain strong capital and solid business practices to anchor the company's financial soundness and offer clients safe harbor for their hard-earned money.

Commitment to Service. With a firm handshake and compassionate outreach, we pledge exceptional service to our clients and communities every day.

Teamwork. Like finely tuned gears, we work together to power an organization founded to help people, businesses and communities succeed.

Personal Responsibility. Each of us carries the long-burning light of accountability that leads us to go above and beyond our best.